Q&A · 20:05-20:23

Would a transom stern have made Nelson faster?

A transom stern might have improved Nelson's speed, but the design retained a conventional stern as part of its conservative choices.

Naval Propulsion Nelson Class Battleships Royal Navy Ship Design

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Question

Why did Nelson retain a conventional stern instead of G3's transom stern?

Short answer

A transom stern might have made the ship faster, but no definite gain is claimed and the Royal Navy chose the conventional form.

Notes

Nelson retained a conventional stern despite G3's transom-stern design. A transom stern might have increased speed at the same power, but the possible gain is not quantified. Conservatism in parts of the Nelson design is the suggested explanation.